86R2625 BK-D
 
  By: Thierry H.C.R. No. 16
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The annual observance of Mental Health Month in May
  serves as an opportunity to bring about greater public
  understanding of mental health issues and to promote treatment,
  care, and support for those living with mental illness; and
         WHEREAS, A mental illness is a medical condition that
  disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, interpersonal
  relationships, and, in the most serious cases, their ability to
  carry out the essential tasks of daily life; and
         WHEREAS, Every year, approximately 42.5 million American
  adults, comprising slightly over 18 percent of the total adult
  population, suffer from some form of mental illness, such as
  depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia; in Texas, one in
  every five adults will experience a mental health concern at some
  point in a given year, and more than 20 percent of children between
  the ages of 9 and 17 have a diagnosed mental illness; and
         WHEREAS, Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age,
  race, religion, or income and are not the result of personal
  weakness or lack of character; many individuals with mental health
  disorders experience feelings of alienation from their peers
  because of their condition, and there remains a strong stigma
  attached to mental illness that can result in discrimination,
  including from families, friends, employers, and others; mental
  health problems can impact a person's quality of life in numerous
  ways, and severe, untreated cases are associated with a higher risk
  of suicide; and
         WHEREAS, Innovations and advancements in mental health care,
  ranging from medications and therapy to various support services,
  have helped make recovery a reality for countless people; outcomes
  are shown to be greatly improved when patients are engaged and
  involved in their own care and when they receive acceptance and
  encouragement from loved ones and peers; and
         WHEREAS, Increased public awareness, support, and advocacy
  are key to improving issues related to mental illness, and all
  Texans are encouraged to affirm their commitment to these important
  efforts; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby designate May as Mental Health Month; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of Section
  391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
  until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
  passed by the legislature.